Abstract: Wood pulp papers are provided that are useful in end uses requiring microbial barrier properties such as medical packaging, air filters, liquid filters, and other uses and the papers have significantly improved bacterial barrier properties in contrast to wood pulp papers known in the art as measured by Log Reduction Values determined by ASTM F-1608.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively terminating sealing current in an asymmetric digital subscriber line modem is provided. The technique comprises providing a mechanism (e.g., a resistor or suitable current sink) to a DSL modem (e.g. an ADSL modem or any XDSL modem used where POTS is underlying service). The mechanism is operable to be dynamically switched on and off and to operate under low current conditions. The system allows for provision of DSL (e.g., ADSL or XDSL where POTS is the underlying current) in the absence of plain old telephone service (POTS) and for improved performance.

Abstract: A multi-channel processing module is arranged in series with multiple channels of a communication system. The processing module synchronizes downstream symbols among the channels, and synchronizes downstream symbols for at least a given one of the channels with upstream symbols for that channel. The synchronization of downstream symbols among the channels and the synchronization of downstream symbols for at least the given channel with upstream symbols for that channel are collectively achieved by adjusting downstream and upstream adjustable delay elements associated with respective downlink and uplink signal paths in the multi-channel processing module. The channels may comprise respective subscriber lines of a DSL communication system.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for compensating for crosstalk using adaptation of data signals transmitted over respective channels of a communication network. In one example, a method comprises the following steps. Data is transmitted to a communication network device via a communication line during a sequence of periods. For each period of the sequence of periods, a separate value of a measure of crosstalk that was measured at the communication network device is received, each value being an average of measurements at the device of measures of crosstalk for a plurality of communication network signal subcarriers. For each individual signal subcarrier of the plurality, a matrix is updated based on the received values, the matrix being configured to precode data transmissions to the communication network device over the individual signal subcarrier. The communication network may be a DSL system, the signal subcarriers may be DSL tones, and the measure of crosstalk may be a SINR value.

Abstract: An electric power exchange network includes a series of computerized exchange nodes that provide communications between suppliers and purchasers or users of electric power. Search engines enable suppliers to obtain information, such as load characteristics, from users in the network to allow the supplier to effectively merge or combine its existing loads with those of certain users, whereby a more efficient trading of electric power among members of the exchange network can be achieved.

Abstract: An electric power exchange network includes a series of computerized exchange nodes that provide communications between suppliers and purchasers or users of electric power. Search engines enable suppliers to obtain information, such as load characteristics, from users in the network to allow the supplier to effectively merge or combine its existing loads with those of certain users, whereby a more efficient trading of electric power among members of the exchange network can be achieved.

Abstract: A die has a part that is sealed with a cap. The seal can be hermetic or non-hermetic. If hermetic, a layer of glass or metal is formed in the surface of the die, and the cap has a layer of glass or metal at a peripheral area so that, when heated, the layers form a hermetic seal. A non-hermetic seal can be formed by bonding a cap with a patterned adhesive. The cap, which can be silicon or can be a metal paddle, is electrically coupled to a fixed voltage to shield the part of the die.

Abstract: A sensor has a die (with a working portion), a cap coupled with the die to at least partially cover the working portion, and a conductive pathway extending through the cap to the working portion. The pathway provides an electrical interface to the working portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing wide-band voice service via a telecommunications switch are described herein. A call can be initiated from a wide-band telecommunications device (e.g., an IP telephone) to another telecommunications device through a gateway (e.g., an IP gateway) associated with one or more telecommunications networks, such as, for example, a WAN, LAN and/or PSTN. One or more digital signals (e.g., 4 or fewer DS0s) can then be reserved for the call, if a telecommunications switch (e.g., a class 5 circuit switch, 5ESS®, etc.) associated with one or more of the telecommunications networks determines that at least one timeslot is available to permit a transfer of the call to the other telecommunications device.

Abstract: A system and method that provides lifeline service to DSL customers when a loss-of-power message is sent to the central office from an integrated access device on the customer premise. If a predetermined number of loss-of-power messages are received then power is provided to the integrated access device from the central office. To this end, a power supply at the central office provides power through an isolator circuit to a relay. The relay is connected through to the twisted pair to the integrated access device. The data connection may also be powered in this manner or, in order to save further wattage, the data connection may be disconnected for the duration of the power outage.

Abstract: A Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL) is used to connect Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) to a telecommunications network. The Customer Premises Equipment generates both Constant Bit-Rate (CBR) and Variable Bit-Rate (VBR) Packets. Each Frame of Packets from the Customer Premises Equipment is used to transmit up to a limited amount of CBR data, and VBR data is used, if available, to fill up the Frame. The limit on the amount of CBR data can be dynamically adjusted according to the need of the CPE. Similarly, and importantly, a limit on CBR data to the CPE can be adjusted dynamicaly according to the need for transmission of CBR data to the CPE. Advantageously, a guaranteed rate of transmission of CBR data can be maintained, even in the face of a flood of VBR traffic. Advantageously, this arrangement improves the quality of service on CBR traffic, such as Voice, and subject to the limit imposed by CBR traffic, allows a maximum amount of VBR traffic to be transmitted.

Abstract: Overhead voltage is allocated in a telecommunication system among different AC signals, such as POTS, on-hook transmission POTS, PPM and XDSL signals, communicated between a telephonic switch and a user device. The allocation is based on the available overhead voltage, the condition, such as impedance, of the line carrying communications to the user, and which of the signals are to be communicated.

Abstract: Improved arrangement for interfacing between a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), and a telephone network and data network. A Low-Pass Filter is mounted together with a POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) interface circuit to reduce the number of connections to a Main Distributing Frame (MDF). Other arrangements are disclosed for mounting blocking capacitors to isolate a data network test access from the POTS service provision. Advantageously, reliable DSL service is provided at lower operations and apparatus cost.

Abstract: A method and system of a head for use with a storage media having a first set of read transducers positioned to compensate for shrinkage of the storage media, and a second set of read transducers positioned to compensate for expansion of the storage media.

Abstract: A polymer including a region having a conjugated backbone capable of transporting negative charge carriers, which region includes a plurality of repeat units each including a core group which includes an [Ar?] group substituted with at least one pendant group X and the [Ar?] groups form at least a part of the backbone, wherein each Ar? includes an aromatic or heteroaromatic group and each X includes NAr2 in which each Ar is the same or different and independently includes a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group and N is conjugated with the backbone.

Abstract: A die has a part that is sealed with a cap. The seal can be hermetic or non-hermetic. If hermetic, a layer of glass or metal is formed in the surface of the die, and the cap has a layer of glass or metal at a peripheral area so that, when heated, the layers form a hermetic seal. A non-hermetic seal can be formed by bonding a cap with a patterned adhesive. The cap, which can be silicon or can be a metal paddle, is electrically coupled to a fixed voltage to shield the part of the die.

Abstract: A sensor has a die (with a working portion), a cap coupled with the die to at least partially cover the working portion, and a conductive pathway extending through the cap to the working portion. The pathway provides an electrical interface to the working portion.

Abstract: A method for determining the security level associated with transmissions in a telecommunications network includes means for alerting parties of the security status of the transmission. When a route interconnecting the parties includes an insecure link, an alert is provided so that the parties are aware of the insecure nature of the call before communications begin. Alternatively, the parties may elect to decline or alter content of the communications to preserve integrity.

Abstract: A system and method selectively establishes data communications, such as XDSL services, between data devices and a network switch. Status of the data devices are monitored and active data devices are connected to a data branch for data communications. Data devices which are inactive may remain connected to the data branch, if available, or may be switched to a pilot branch. While disconnected from the pilot branch, the system may detect a signal from the data device indicating that the device is going active. If pilot signals are being used, the pilot signals between a data device and the network switch are monitored to determine when the data device is going active. Once detected, the data device is connected to the data branch. Alternately, if pilot signals are not being used, the system monitors the connection with the data device for any signals, such as a wake-up signal, which indicates that the data device is going active.